Ashraf holds the Egyptian nationality and have a Saudi Arabian passport which led to complications in Al Hilal registering him in the AFC Champions League squad. The Asian Football Confederation wanted Ashraf to be registered as a foreign player, leading him to be left out of the squad list.

The talented midfielder has played for Al Hilal his entire career and has been likened to legends Mohamed Shalhoub and Yasser Al-Qahtani. His Saudi national team call-up comes after he featured for the senior team this season due to ongoing injuries and suspensions to the Sharks’ midfielders.

Saudi Arabia, who are in Group A alongside Egypt, Russia, and Uruguay for the World Cup, will be playing two friendlies against Ukraine and Belgium during the March camp.